Committee backs Article V term‑limits resolution after hours of testimony

The State-Federal Relations and Veterans Affairs Committee voted 12–5 on Feb. 6 to recommend HCR 13, a resolution that asks Congress to call an Article V convention to propose an amendment imposing term limits on members of the U.S. House and Senate.

Prime sponsor Representative Joe Alexander, of Gofftown, told the committee the measure is a single‑topic application aimed at pressuring Congress to act after states have signaled widespread support. "There are 12 states that have passed this resolution for this single topic," Alexander said, citing polling he described as showing broad public backing for term limits.

Supporters who testified said the change would reduce incumbency advantage they say allows long‑serving members to entrench power. Aaron Duquette, regional director for U.S. Term Limits, told legislators that state‑level Article V actions have historically pressured Congress to propose amendments, calling it a "prodding effect." "When states see that Congress is dragging its feet, they pass single‑topic applications," Duquette said.

Opponents and some members voiced caution about the convention process itself. Representative Lloyd said he shares concerns about how delegates would be chosen and whether a convention could be safely limited to a single topic. "I have concerns about it being limited to only this," Lloyd said during executive session, citing questions about selection of delegates and potential unforeseen outcomes.

Former committee ranking member Linda Massimila, who testified in support, framed Article V as a constitutional safety valve and argued that the threat of a convention had in the past induced Congress to propose major amendments. "The option of a constitutional convention was set up to be used by the people and for the people," she told members.

The committee heard more than a dozen witnesses — including representatives of U.S. Term Limits, civic speakers and a former ranking member of the committee — before adjourning debate and taking the vote in executive session. The motion to recommend HCR 13 passed 12–5; the committee assigned reporters for the majority and minority positions and will include the measure on its next calendar for a floor recommendation.

What happens next: If the full House adopts the concurrent resolution, the measure would go to the state Senate; 34 states must pass similar applications for Congress to be required to call a convention under Article V. Supporters said the resolution is intended mainly as a catalytic step to spur federal action.